Falcon B Squad keeps School top of mind during Opening Week

The B squad’s theme for the week was focused on being a student/athlete as the team began practice during the first full week back at school. During practice in August even though school was still weeks away the team was asked to write down goals that included a school orientated goal that each would focus on accomplishments in the classroom. Captains this week were Alex Case, Blake Courchese, Christopher Ulizio, Anthony Santangelo & Dante Aparo. The Falcons were joined by our honorary captains from Memorial School, Principal Mr. Kevin  Brough & Mr. Marrone from the Physical Education department. The message from our honorary captains included focusing on hard work, organization and having goals. Our center, Bryce Fleck, did a great job singing the National Anthem before our game.

The Falcons opponent at Coginchaug Field was the Vipers from Vernon.  The coin toss was won by the Falcons and they decided to take receipt of the ball to begin the game. The offense seemed to have some early tempo as they moved the ball successfully into the Vernon side of the field. The drive stalled on a key 1st down play and put the Falcon defense on the field.

As the Viper offense started they were working a series of counter and dive plays. The Vipers were driving the Falcons back on several run plays. As the Falcon defense stiffened near their 20 yard line a great play action pass was called by the Vipers that caught the defense by surprise and was the Vipers 1st score of the day. The Falcon Offense went back to work but never quite found a rhythm until late in the second half where the Falcons challenged the Vipers inside the 20 yard line. After a couple of completed passes to Derek Grant and Colin Sheehy from Tucker Carroll the offense had its best chance to score its first touchdown on the day. The next Falcon offensive play was another pass attempt which was intercepted by the Vipers and returned all the way back to the Falcon 10 yard line. A great effort to save the touchdown was made by Edward Williams.

As the second half began the Falcons found themselves down 19-0. The Falcon Defense played tough with great line play by Aidan Scarcia and Dante Aparo. A fumble recovery by Chris Ulizio from his defensive end spot was a great highlight for the defense. The offense had a few bright spots during the second half to include a long run by Edward Williams that unfortunately was called back because of a holding penalty.

The final score did not change but effort was clearly much improved in the second half on both sides of the ball. A great job in the kicking game was done by Giovanni Aparo both with punts and kick offs as well as long snapping by Bryce Fleck.

Please join the Falcon B Squad as they take on Haddam/Killingworth on September 15th at 9:00 AM at Coginchaug High School.   To see the full slate of Durham/Middlefield Football games, please visit www.dmfalcons.com or like our Facebook page at facebook.com/dmfalconsfootball to view more photos and stay updated on Falcons Football and Cheerleading.

Submitted by Charlie Carroll